The building in question is a bank by Paul Korff dating back to 1909. It was created through the merging of two buildings behind a single façade, and by building over the courtyard to create a single-story customer lobby. Given the rotten structural fabric the proposed solution was only possible by tearing down the entire ensemble – apart from the main façade - before rebuilding it in its original dimensions. All the details deemed worthy of being preserved were to be included in the new building. Housing a bank and a textiles company, the new building eliminates complex, uneconomic layouts and unfortunate differences in height. Asymmetries were corrected and heights adjusted so the building harmonizes better with neighboring developments. The proposed solution ideally exploits the usable area while keeping the footprint used to a minimum. Minimalism, clarity, stringency and the language of modern architecture are not only the defining elements in the formal design of the building, but also determine the materials used for the interior.

Bank building, Rostock
New Development, modernisation
Kröpeliner Straße 84, 18055 Rostock
Developer: Deutsche Bank
Start of planning: 1996
Completion: 1998
Use: Bank
Project phases: 1-9